Dirty Chai

Chapter 8: 57' Bel Air

Oliver drove them to a breakfast joint that was down the block from his work he had never been to before but always wanted to try.

"We're finally on our first date." He thought out loud looking at Frankie sitting across the cozy booth.

"I think it's technically our second. Our first was that day we met each other at the coffee shop but it was interrupted." Frankie pondered.

"Huh…you're right this is our second."

"I'm always right."

"A glimpse into my future?" Frankies eyes shined with mischief, and a smile played on her lips.

"Hello! My name's Richard, and I'll be your server today. Can I take any drink orders today?"

"I'll take an orange juice and some water." Oliver looked at Frankie.

"I'll take some peppermint tea." She smiled at the server.

"I'll have those out for you in a moment." Richard walked away.

"You said you'd take me to the drive-in." Frankie looked at Oliver expectantly.

"And I will, we haven't exactly had time." He arched an eyebrow at her; he didn't think she was trying to be rude.

"I'm sorry, I meant if you still remembered. The car show will be in town this weekend and if Marty is up to it I want to take him and his car out to it. Then they have a meet up at the drive-in. I thought we could go then. And Marty likes you so it's a bonus." She smiled at him from behind her menu.

"Oh that sounds fun. He has a classic? What's the make?"

"It's a 57 Bel air in cherry red." She smirked and folded the menu and set it on the table. "Do you like classic cars?"

"Who doesn't? It's not a hobby but I've always admired them."

"Grandpa named the car Rosey. It was a project we did together since I was 8, I love that car."

"Wow. That's so cool I would love to see it sometime."

Richard came back with their drinks and too their order and left with the menus.

"We can ride in her next Saturday. I'll need to make sure she's still healthy but that shouldn't take longer than an afternoon."

"You like working on cars?"

"I like working on Rosey and sometimes I help a few of Grandpa's friends with their cars but that's it. I mostly like working with my hands. I can focus better that way. Probably why graphic design didn't sit well with me. Not enough 3-D"

"That makes sense." Oliver enjoyed her company. She was like a breath of fresh air. Neither of them had dated recently so meeting each other felt like fate in a way.

The rest of the week passed in a blur he hadn't had a chance to see Frankie much but he had called and texted her when they had time. Frankie was able to get Marty in a home right outta the hospital. He was getting ready for the car show deciding to wear jeans and a short sleeve button down with a desert theme.

He got to Frankie's place and knocked on the door. He heard a call from inside that sounded like "hold your damn horses!" He chuckled a bit before the door opened.

"Oh it's you! This'll be fun!" It was Liz she was wearing a fit & flare day dress that looked like it was straight outta the 1950's.

"If y'all told me you were dressing up I would have worn something more appropriate." Oliver said, looking around for Frankie to see what she was wearing.

"Frankie, your lover is here! Also wear the peach one you'll both match. It'll be cute." Liz called out walking back to Frankie's room.

Oliver decided to wait for them in the living room. It was like taking a step back into the 50s. There was a large builtin bookcase along the back wall filled with books and photographs and little knick knacks. In one corner there was a record player. One of the ones that had a built in hutch for all your records to be stored in. A large window facing the backyard was along the other wall. It had a great view of the small wooded area behind the house. And facing the window was a decent sized sectional. With a recliner angled towards the books. He turned around admiring the other photos and artwork that lined the walls, like at a kitchen bar or restaurant. There was no free space for anything new. The hardwood floors creeked under his feet as he walked around the room with his hands in his pockets.

"They're all from Marty's friends." He turned to see Frankie in a peach body hugging dress with touching on the sides and a sweetheart neckline that accentuated her bust. Her hair was half up and down and her shoes were a heeled sandal.

"You look so beautiful" Oliver's brain felt like it was short circuiting. He looked into her blue eyes and walked up to her to grab her into his arms.

"Thank you." She placed her hands on his chest and rocked on her tiptoes to kiss him. "You look handsome."

"Why are you dressed like a pinup model? Not that I mind, I like this look on you" he smiled at her.

"There's a competition to see who's the best pin up. I usually make a new dress for it but I have been a bit busy this year."

"You make your own dresses?"

"Yeah Marty taught me how to sew when I was little" Frankie stated.

"What can't you do?" Oliver asked with an arched eyebrow.

"She'd say pee standing up but she solved that problem like 3 years ago" Liz called from the kitchen. Oliver laughed and Frankie chuckled.

"I'm just naturally talented." Frankie said, stepping away and flipping her hair. She smiled at Liz and asked if she was ready.

"Just finished packing Marty's go bag. Do we need anything else?" Liz asked, swinging a large tote bag over her shoulder.

"No, that should be it. Let's go bust Marty out." Frankie smiled again at Liz and Oliver grabbing a key from a hook by the counter.